Novak Djokovic apologised for almost hitting a ball girl in an act that could have put his Australian Open hopes in jeopardy. But an incident in the second set might have proved very costly, with Djokovic carelessly sending a ball flying close to the head of a ball girl at the net. That was not necessary and in the heat of the moment. Things could have been very ugly.”Meanwhile, Stan Wawrinka toasted his Australian Open farewell after losing 7-6 (5) 2-6 6-4 6-4 to ninth seed Taylor Fritz. Sinner continued to look uncomfortable but, out of the punishing sun and with air conditioning cooling the arena, he battled to a 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-4 victory.

Source: Irish Examiner January 24, 2026 15:17 UTC